90 cyclists enjoy Mullingar Lions Club Annual Sportive
More than 90 cyclists took part in the Mullingar Lions Club Annual Sportive on bank holiday Monday, May 6, and the 90km and 40km route options gave everyone an opportunity to get back on the bike.
Frank Dillon, event coordinator, said the Lions Club team were delighted with how everything went. The day was dry and the facilities at Shandonagh GAA were excellent, he said.
At the cycle start, Frank welcomed Philip O’Hara and his family, sponsor of the cycle this year. He wished Philip the best on his recovery, and said “he is an inspiration to us all”.
The 90km group reached Dún Na Sí in Moate around 11am for a welcome food stop, where Frank and his staff at Dún Na Sí provided food that everyone enjoyed. “A big thank-you for their support and generosity, which Mullingar Lions Club really appreciate.”
Fully refreshed cyclists set out on the road to back at Shandonagh and passed through Kilbeggan, Tyrrellspass and Rochfortbridge, to arrive at about approximately 1pm.
The 40km cyclists had a pleasant spin to Rosemount, where they took a break at Jack’s Stop in Streamstown for refreshments, tea and coffee supplied by Jackie, whose generosity and kindness the Lions Club appreciate.
Frank said the real success of the event was that everyone arrived back safely, having thoroughly enjoyed the cycle. Pointing out that that doesn’t happen by chance, he expressed a sincere thank-you to Shandonagh GAA Club, the gardaí, who were on hand during the day to assist on the busy roads; the stewards who gave directions and orgainsed car parking; the van drivers at the back and front, Ciarán O’Brien for his support van as always; Catherine Tormey, who provided first aid cover, and everyone who donated and supplied the food. John McCauley was on hand to take photographs and Sinéad Kiernan looked after social media.
All the proceeds from entry fees, sponsorship and donations go towards the Lions Club Project 23/24 to continue to provide respite, counselling and assessment for families who have children with autism and additional needs.
Frank said that the Lions Club are delighted to be able to provide that support to a number of families on a weekly basis and to see that it is making a significant difference in helping families provide the best quality of life that they can for their children.
In conclusion, he thanked everyone who supports this project for their wonderful generosity and kindness. “Míle Buíochas.”